Imaging element cleaning device with imaging device fitment adjustability

ABSTRACT

Cleaning devices disclosed herein provide, for example, an effective and reliable approach for cleaning an exposed surface of an imaging element (e.g., a lens) of an imaging device (e.g., an endoscope). Cleaning devices disclosed herein enable an imaging element to be cleaned while located within a concealed operation site (e.g., an in-vivo surgical site). To enhance imaging device compatibility, cleaning devices disclosed herein have integral therewith a seating adjustor that allows a user to selectively adjust the position of an imaging device seated thereon. Cleaning devices disclosed herein are thus able to accommodate imaging devices that would otherwise be incompatible due to a distance between the imaging element of the imaging device and a position of a cleaning member of the cleaning device being either too big or too small.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The disclosures made herein relate generally to cleaning of devices thatutilize a remote imaging element for visualization of structures at aconcealed site and, more particularly, to an imaging element cleaningdevice for cleaning an exposed surface of the imaging element while theexposed surface is located within a concealed site such as, for example,an in-vivo human or animal environment.

BACKGROUND

Surgical procedures utilizing in-vivo visualization of target surgicalsites are well known as a form of a concealed operation site. Examplesof these surgeries include, but are not limited to, endoscopic surgery,laparoscopic surgery, thoracoscopic surgery and the like. These surgicalprocedures utilize a surgical instrument having an integratedvisualization device for providing in-vivo visualization of a targetsurgical site within a surgical space of the patient. Although it iscommon for the surgical instrument to be referred to in the context ofthe specific type of surgical procedure (e.g., endoscope for endoscopicsurgery, laparoscope for laparoscopic surgery, and the like), thesesurgical instruments are generally referred to herein as an “endoscope”.

As shown in FIG. 1, an endoscope 1 used in laparoscopic surgicalprocedures is characterized as having a user interface portion 5 and anextension portion 10 connected at its proximate end 15 to the userinterface portion 5. Examples of commercially-available endoscopesinclude, but are not limited to, endoscopes manufactured under brandnames of Karl Storz, Linvatec, Olympus, Richard Wolf, Stryker andIntuitive Surgical. For simplicity, scope/camera apparatuses utilizedwith robotic surgical systems are referred to herein as endoscopes.

The extension portion 10 has an imaging element 20 such as a lens at itsdistal end portion 25. The imaging element 20 may have an exposedsurface that is generally flush with or that defines an end face of theextension portion 10. The imaging element 20 is connected to an opticalfiber or other image transmitting element that is internal to theendoscope. The optical fiber or other image transmitting element extendsalong the length of the extension portion 10 and terminates at aneyepiece 30 on the user interface portion 5. The eyepiece 30 enables theimaging element 30 to be connected to a visualization device (e.g., acamera connected to a visual display console) through which targetsurgical sites may be viewed by surgery personnel.

During a surgical procedure using the endoscope 1, the exposed surfaceof the imaging element 20 may become impaired due to one or more in-vivoscenarios. Examples of these scenarios include the exposed surface ofthe imaging element 20 becoming fogged with moisture within the surgicalspace, or the exposed surface of the imaging element 20 may be smearedby blood, fat or other bodily fluids or tissues (e.g. interstitialfluid, fat tissue or the like). To maintain required visualization oftarget surgical sites, it is desirable to clean the exposed surface ofthe imaging element 20 while the distal end portion of the extensionportion 10 remains in the surgical site.

Various devices have been devised to clean an exposed surface of animaging element of a device while the distal end portion of the deviceremains in a concealed operation site. In some implementations, suchdevices are configured as an article of manufacture that is selectivelymountable on a commercially-available endoscope (i.e., a scope-mountablecleaning device). Examples of cleaning devices specifically adapted foruse with endoscopes and the like are disclosed in the following UnitedStates patents and patent application publications, all of which areincorporated herein in their entirety by reference: US20160128551,US20090229067, U.S. Ser. No. 10/791,918, U.S. Pat. Nos. 9,050,036,8,979,738, 7,959,561, 6,923,759, 6,755,782 and 5,518,502.

FIGS. 2 and 3 shows a cleaning device (i.e., cleaning device 50)configured for use with an endoscope, where such use is now discussed inreference to the endoscope 1 of FIG. 1. The cleaning device 50 has anelongated body 52 that is adapted to have the extension portion 10 ofendoscope 1 inserted within a central passage 53 of the cleaning device50 to a seated position S, as shown in FIG. 2. Cleaning functionality ofthe cleaning device 50 includes manipulation (e.g., rotation) of acontrol body 54 at a user interface body 56 of the cleaning device 50 tocause a corresponding movement of a cleaning member 58 at a distal endportion 60 of the elongated body 52. Such corresponding movement of thecleaning member 58 brings the cleaning member 58 into contact (or nearcontact) with the imaging element 20 of the endoscope 1 to removecontaminants therefrom.

Accordingly, placement of the cleaning member 58 relative to the imagingelement 20 along a longitudinal centerline reference axis L1 of theelongated body 52 is important to achieving reliable and effectivecleaning functionality. In its fully seated placement (i.e., seatedposition S), as shown in FIG. 2, a dimensionally predictable surface orfeature of the endoscope 1 such as that of the user interface portion 5(e.g., a handle and/or optic interface portion) abuts or engages amating dimensionally predictable surface or feature of the cleaningdevice 50. This mating surface or feature of the cleaning device 50(e.g., a surface or feature of a user interface body 55 thereof) servesas a reference structure of the cleaning device 50 to ensure consistentand predictable axial placement of the endoscope 1 on the cleaningdevice 50.

A cleaning device (e.g., the cleaning device 50) may accommodate avariety of models, brands and/or sizes of endoscopes relative todiametrical fitment of the extension portion 10 in the central passage53 of the elongated body 52. However, conventional cleaning devices areconfigured for use with endoscopes having an extension portion (e.g.,the extension portion 10 of the endoscope 1) of a specific known length(or length within a designated specification and/or tolerance) relativeto the dimensionally predictable surface or feature thereof.Accordingly, a significant shortcoming arises when an otherwisecompatible endoscope cannot be used with a given cleaning device solelybecause a length of the extension portion of the endoscope is nominallyor marginally too short or too long relative to the length of theelongated body of the cleaning device when the endoscope is seated onthe given cleaning device. In such situations, shown in FIG. 2, adistance D between the imaging element 20 of the endoscope 1 and aposition of the cleaning member 58 of the cleaning device 50 is eithertoo big or too small to allow use of the endoscope 1 with the cleaningdevice 50 i.e., either excessive contact of the imaging element 20 bythe cleaning member 58 or insufficient contact of the imaging element 20by the cleaning member 58.

Therefore, an effective, efficient, simple and reliable approach forenabling a cleaning device to accommodate endoscopes that wouldotherwise be incompatible with the cleaning device due to lengthdifferences between the extension portion of the endoscope and cleaningmember position when the endoscope is seated on the cleaning devicewould be advantageous, desirable and useful.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

Embodiments of the disclosures made herein are directed to increasingcompatibility between a given cleaning device and endoscopes (e.g.,commercially-available endoscopes). More specifically, a cleaning devicein accordance with the disclosures made herein includes a seatingadjustor that allows a user to selectively adjust the position of anendoscope seated thereon. Such a cleaning device is thus able toaccommodate endoscopes that would otherwise be incompatible due todimensional considerations of the endoscope and cleaning deviceresulting in a distance between the imaging element of the endoscope anda position of the cleaning member of the cleaning device being eithertoo big or too small to allow use of the endoscope with the cleaningdevice. The dimensional considerations may arise from differences inspecified dimensions (e.g., an endoscope's extension portion length). Inthis manner, cleaning devices in accordance with the disclosures madeherein advantageously may extend their utility across a plurality ofdifferent models, brands and/or sizes of endoscopes.

In one or more embodiments of the disclosures made herein, an endoscopecleaning device adapted for having an endoscope engaged therewith in aseated position relative thereto comprises a main body (e.g., a chassisor user interface body) and a positioning member. The main body isadapted to enable the endoscope to be at least partially engaged withthe endoscope cleaning device through the main body—e.g., at least aportion of the endoscope is coupled to or mounted on the main body. Thepositioning member is coupled to the main body to be selectively movedto and retained in any one of a plurality of adjustment positionsrelative to the main body. The positioning member includes an endoscopeengaging portion that engages a corresponding portion of the endoscopewhile the endoscope is engaged with the endoscope cleaning device suchthat the positioning member being retained in a selected one of theadjustment positions and being engaged the corresponding portion of theendoscope at least partially defines the seated position.

In one or more embodiments of the disclosures made herein, an endoscopecleaning device comprises a chassis and a seating adjustor. The chassisis adapted for having an endoscope engaged therewith in a seatedposition relative to the chassis. The seating adjustor is integral withthe chassis. The seating adjustor includes an adjuster body and apositioning member. The adjuster body is attached to the chassis forbeing selectively moved between a plurality of adjustment positionsrelative to the chassis. The positioning member is interlockedlyattached to the adjuster body whereby the adjuster body being in aselected one of the plurality of adjustment positions causes thepositioning member to be in a corresponding seating position relative tothe adjustor body. The positioning member has an endoscope engagingportion engaged by a corresponding portion of the endoscope while theendoscope is engaged with the chassis such that the correspondingseating position of the positioning member relative to the chassis atleast partially defines the seated position.

In one or more embodiments of the disclosures made herein, an endoscopecleaning device comprises a chassis and a seating adjustor integral withthe chassis. The chassis is adapted for having an endoscope engagedtherewith in a seated position relative to the chassis. The adjustorincludes an adjuster body rotatably mounted on the chassis and apositioning member threadedly engaged at a first end portion thereofwith a mating portion of the adjuster body whereby a rotational positionof the adjustor body relative to the chassis defines a correspondingseating position of the positioning member relative to the chassis. Thepositioning member has an endoscope engaging portion at a second endportion thereof that engages a corresponding portion of the endoscopewhile the endoscope is engaged with the chassis such that thecorresponding seating position of the positioning member relative to thechassis at least partially defines the seated position.

In one or more embodiments, the main body includes a passage adapted forhaving an extension portion of the endoscope received therein.

In one or more embodiments, the positioning member is movably mounted onthe main body to be moved axially along a reference axis extendingparallel to a centerline longitudinal axis of the passage.

In one or more embodiments, the seating adjustor is mounted on the userinterface body.

In one or more embodiments, the positioning member is coupled to themain body through an adjustor body mounted on the main body.

In one or more embodiments, the positioning member includes an elongatedportion slidably mounted on the main body to be axially translated alonga centerline longitudinal axis of the elongated portion.

In one or more embodiments, seating positions of the positioning membereach corresponding to a respective one of the adjustment positions ofthe adjustor body lay along the centerline longitudinal axis of theelongated portion.

In one or more embodiments, the positioning member is interlockedly(e.g., threadedly) attached to the adjustor body such that eachrotational position of the adjustor body relative to the main bodydefines a corresponding adjustment position of the positioning member.

In one or more embodiments, the main body includes a user interface bodyand an elongated body attached thereto.

In one or more embodiments, the elongated body has a central passageaccessible through an opening in the user interface body therebyenabling an extension portion of the endoscope to be slidably insertedinto the central passage through the opening.

In one or more embodiments, the main body comprises a light portreceptacle in which a light port of the endoscope resides while theendoscope is engaged with the endoscope cleaning device.

In one or more embodiments, the light port receptacle is integral withthe user interface body.

In one or more embodiments, the endoscope engaging portion of thepositioning member is located within a light port receiving space of thelight port receptacle to engage the light port of the endoscope whilethe endoscope is engaged with the endoscope cleaning device.

These and other objects, embodiments, advantages and/or distinctions ofthe present invention will become readily apparent upon further reviewof the following specification, associated drawings and appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a prior art endoscope.

FIG. 2 is a first perspective view showing a prior art cleaning devicein accordance with a first embodiment of the disclosures made herein.

FIG. 3 is a second perspective view showing the prior art cleaningdevice of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is perspective view of an endoscope cleaning device in accordancewith one or more embodiments of the disclosures made herein.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 5-5 in FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a first enlarged fragmentary perspective view of the endoscopecleaning device shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 7 is a second enlarged fragmentary perspective view of theendoscope cleaning device shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 8-8 in FIG. 6.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 4-8 illustrate various aspects of an endoscope cleaning deviceconfigured in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosuresmade herein, which is designated as cleaning device 100. Cleaning device100 is preferably, but not necessarily, configured to be used withcommercially-available endoscopes, such as endoscope 1 of FIG. 1. Insome embodiments, the cleaning device 100 is preferably, but notnecessarily, configured to be used with endoscopes manufactured underbrand names of Karl Storz, Linvatec, Olympus, Richard Wolf, Stryker andIntuitive Surgical.

The cleaning device 100 includes a seating adjustor 101 that enables auser to selectively adjust a seated position S of an endoscope (e.g.,the endoscope 1) attached to the cleaning device 100. As discussed belowin greater detail, the cleaning device 100 is thus able to accommodateone or more endoscopes that would otherwise be incompatible with thecleaning device 100 due to certain dimensional considerations of suchone or more endoscopes. Accordingly, the cleaning device 100advantageously may extend its utility across a plurality of differentmodels, brands and/or sizes of endoscopes.

The cleaning device 100 includes an elongated body 102 and a userinterface body 103, which jointly define a chassis 104. The chassis 104serves as the platform on which an endoscope may be mounted in apredictable seated position (i.e., the seated position S, as shown inFIG. 4). In one or more embodiments, the user interface body 103 or thechassis 104 may be a main body of the cleaning device 100. The elongatedbody 102 may be a tube having a central passage 106 with a round orgenerally round cross-sectional shape. The central passage 106 may beaccessible through a mating opening 106′ (or other form of passage)within the user interface body 103 thereby enabling the extensionportion 10 of the endoscope 1 to be inserted into the central passage106 through the opening 106′.

The central passage 106 has a size and profile that is adapted to havethe extension portion 10 of the endoscope 1 engaged therein by insertingthe extension portion into the central passage 106 and sliding theextension portion 10 along the length of the elongated body 102 untilthe endoscope 1 is in the seated position S on the chassis 104.Alternatively, the elongated member 102 may be a non-tubular structuresuch as a skeletal-type structure that engages the extension portion 10of the endoscope 1—e.g., at discrete spaced-apart locations thereof. Itis disclosed herein that the chassis 104 may be that of a robot thatprovides robot-assisted surgery or may be adapted to operativelyinterface with a mating mounting portion of such a robot. For example,the elongated body 102 and/or the user interface body 103 may be that ofan arm or other structure of the robot or adapted to operativelyinterface with an instrument mounting portion of the arm of the robot.

The chassis 104 may include a plurality of structural elements thatprovide for the known and predictable position of the endoscope 1 whenmounted in the seated position S on the chassis 104. One of thesestructural elements is the effective inside diameter (e.g., for ribbedor textured interior surface) or the actual inside diameter (e.g., asmooth interior wall) of the elongated body 102 in relation to anoutside diameter of the extension portion 10 of the endoscope 1. It ispreferable to maintain a close fit between the outside wall of elongatedbody 102 and the mating exterior surface of the extension portion 10 soas to provide for a fluid-resistant interface between the elongated body102 and the extension portion 10 and to limit off-axis pitch between alongitudinal axis of the elongated body 102 and a longitudinal axis ofthe extension portion 10. When the endoscope 1 is fully compatible withthe cleaning device 100, another one of these structural elements is aseating surface 107 (shown in FIG. 7) on the user interface body 103.The seating surface 107 may be a reference surface of the cleaningapparatus 100 that engages a mating reference surface 35 (shown inFIG. 1) of the endoscope 1. Engagement of the seating surface 107 withthe mating reference surface 35 of the endoscope 1 serves to define apredictable seated position of the endoscope 1 on the chassis 104.However, as discussed below in greater detail, the seating adjustor 101and a respective mating portion of the endoscope 1 provide suchpredictable seated position of the endoscope 1 on the chassis 104 whenthe endoscope 1 is not fully compatible with the cleaning device 100.

To provide for securement between and/or rotational clocking of theendoscope 1 and the cleaning device 100, the user interface body 103 mayinclude a light port receptacle 111 and securement bodies 113. The lightport receptacle 111 has a light port receiving space 115 in which alight port 13 of the endoscope 1 is received (e.g., constrained byengagement of mating surfaces) while the endoscope 1 is engaged with thecleaning device 100. A retention structure (e.g., an elastic strap, bandof the like) may be engaged with one or both of the securement bodies113 to secure the endoscope 1 and the cleaning device 100 in fixed,seated engagement.

The cleaning apparatus 100 may include a cleaning member 108 adjacent toan opening 110 in a distal end portion 112 of the elongated body 102.The cleaning member 108 functions to clean contaminants and debris froma surface of the imaging element 20 of the endoscope 1 when brought intocontact with the imaging element 20. To this end, the cleaning device100 may include a cleaning member controller 120 (i.e., a cleaningmember control mechanism) that is coupled to the cleaning member 108 toenable the cleaning member 108 to be selectively brought into contactwith the imaging element 20 of the endoscope 1. In one or moreembodiments, the cleaning member 108 may be coupled to the cleaningmember controller 120 through a coupling element 116, where the cleaningmember 108 is attached to a distal end portion of the coupling element116 and the cleaning member controller 120 is attached to a proximateend portion of the coupling element 116. Through manipulation of a userinterface portion of the cleaning member controller 120 (e.g., rotationof a control body 124), the cleaning member 108 may be selectivelyrotated into and away from contact with the imaging element 20 forremoving (e.g., wiping) contaminants from the surface of the imagingelement 20.

As best shown in FIG. 5, the coupling element 116 may extend through achannel 118 within the elongated body 102. Preferably, the channel 118and the central passage 106 extend substantially parallel to each otherwithin the elongated body 102. In some embodiments, the coupling element116 may be an elongated small diameter structure that offers at least alimited degree of bendability in combination with high torsionalrigidity. In other embodiments, the coupling element 116 ischaracterized by an elongated small diameter structure that offers agiven amount of torsional compliance. Based on these characterizingattributes, examples of coupling element 116 include, but are notlimited to, solid metallic wire, spiraled metal wire, a polymericfilament(s), a composite filament(s) or the like.

In one or more other embodiments, the cleaning member 108 may bereplaced with a non-contact cleaning structure. For example, thenon-contact cleaning structure may be a jet, nozzle or the like throughwhich a gaseous, liquid or other type of flowable medium is deliveredto/directed upon a surface of the imaging element 20 of the endoscope 1.Examples of cleaning devices incorporating a non-contact cleaningstructure are disclosed in the following patents and patent applicationpublications: US20140371763, US20100198014, US20080200765, U.S. Ser. No.10/398,292, U.S. Pat. No. 9,050,036, EP0497347A2, all of which areincorporated herein in their entirety by reference.

Often, endoscopes of different models, brands and/or sizes often have arespective extension portion that are each of a common or suitablynominal outside diameter, thereby enabling such extension portions toall be operably received within a central passage of an elongated bodyof a given cleaning device (e.g., the cleaning device 100). However,even with such endoscopes having such diametrical compatibility withrespect to the elongated body of the given endoscope, one or more ofsuch endoscopes may have one or more other dimensional considerations(e.g., extension member length, seating surface size/shape, light portplacement, etc.) that result in an incompatibility with the givencleaning device whereby cleaning functionality is adversely affected orentirely precluded. This incompatibility is known to arise from such oneor more other dimensional considerations of a particular endoscopecausing a distance between the imaging element of the particularendoscope and a position of the cleaning member of the cleaning device(i.e., the distance D shown in FIG. 4) being either too big or too smallto allow use of the particular endoscope with the cleaning device. Insome embodiments, this distance may cause the cleaning member to bebrought into contact with the exposed surface of the imaging elementunder a suitable degree of load to provide intended cleaningfunctionality of the exposed surface of the imaging element (i.e., towipe contaminants away) when the cleaning member is moved across theimaging element. In some other embodiments, this distance may be suchthat the cleaning member may be spaced away from the imaging element bya nominal amount to knock beads of liquid, pieces of solid material orother contaminant away from the exposed surface of the imaging element(i.e., without touching such exposed surface) when the cleaning memberis moved over the imaging element—e.g., less than one-tenth of an inch,less than an average diameter of a typical bead of liquid on the imagingelement, etc.

Advantageously, cleaning devices configured in accordance with thedisclosures made herein each include a seating adjustor. The underlyingfunctionality of the seating adjustor is to enable adjustment of aseated position of an endoscope engaged with the chassis of such acleaning device. Such adjustment is a “gross” adjustment to achieve adistance between the imaging element of the particular endoscope and aposition of the cleaning member of the cleaning device suitable forenabling intended imaging element cleaning functionality (i.e., thedistance D shown in FIG. 4). In this regard, adjustability of the seatedposition enables such a cleaning device to accommodate one or moreendoscopes that would otherwise be incompatible with the cleaningdevice.

The adjuster body 150 may be rotatably (i.e., movably) mounted on theuser interface body 103 with the positioning member 152 interlockedlyengaged therewith. For example, as shown, a first end portion 154 of thepositioning member 152 thereof may have threads that engage threads of amating portion of the adjuster body 150 (e.g., a mounting portionthereof) such that the adjuster body 150 and the positioning member 152are threadedly engaged. In this manner, movement (e.g., rotation) of theadjuster body 150 to a selected one of a plurality of adjustmentpositions (e.g., a selected rotational position) relative to the chassis140 defines a corresponding axial position (i.e., seating position) ofthe positioning member 152 relative to the chassis 104. Thus, engagementof the endoscope 1 with the chassis 104 causes the positioning member152 to become engaged with a mating portion of the endoscope 1 (e.g., alight port thereof) whereby such the adjusted position of the adjustmentbody 150 defines or partially defines the seated position S of theendoscope 1 relative to the chassis 104.

Referring to FIGS. 6-8, the seating adjustor 101 of the cleaning device100 (i.e., a cleaning device configured in accordance with thedisclosures made herein) is coupled to (e.g., integral with or attachedto) the chassis 104. For example, the seating adjustor 101 may be aplurality of components each mounted on/attached to the chassis 104 (asshown), a unitary component assembly mounted on the chassis 104 or thelike. In one or more embodiments, as shown, the seating adjustor 101includes an adjuster body 150 and a positioning member 152.

A distal portion (e.g., a second end portion 156) of the positioningmember 152 may be translatably mounted on the user interface body 103 toenable sliding of the positioning member 152 along its longitudinalcenterline axis L2 while inhibiting unrestricted rotation about thelongitudinal centerline axis L2. Thus, a plurality of seating positionsof the positioning member 152 each corresponding to a respective one ofthe adjustment positions of the adjuster body 150 lay along thelongitudinal centerline axis L2 of the positioning member 152. In oneexample, an elongated portion 158 of the positioning member 152 and amating passage 160 of the user interface body 103 may be jointlyconfigured, such as through mating cross-sectional shaped, to inhibitrotation about the longitudinal centerline axis L2. In another example,the second end portion 156 of the positioning member 152 may include anengagement member 161 that serves to inhibit unrestricted rotation aboutthe longitudinal centerline axis L2 by engaging one or more matingsurfaces of the chassis (e.g., surfaces of the light port 111). Theengagement member 161 may have a surface with a contour matching ormating that of an engaged portion of the endoscope 1 (e.g., ssaddle-shaped contour that matingly engages an exterior portion of thelight port 13).

Threaded engagement of the adjuster body 150 and the positioning member152 is one example of an interlocked engagement enabling the positioningmember 152 to be selectively moved to and retained in a plurality ofdifferent seating positions. In view of the disclosures made herein, aperson of ordinary skill in the art will recognize other approaches forcoupling a positioning member of an adjustor body for enabling thepositioning member to be selectively moved to and retained in aplurality of different seating positions. In one example, a seatingadjustor may be configured generally as the seating adjuster 101 shownin FIGS. 6-8, except with the adjustor body having a series of steppedsurfaces that engage a mating surfaces of the positioning member wherebyrotation of the adjustor body displaces the positioning member by adistance defined by a respective one of the stepped surfaces. In anotherexample, the adjustor body of the previous example may be replaced by aretention member (e.g., one or more clips) that jointly engage thepositioning member and the chassis of the cleaning device to retain thepositioning member in a selected seated position. In still anotherexample, the positioning member may be in the form of a body having aplurality of different length or shape endoscope engaging membersextending therefrom, where each of the endoscope engaging members ismovable to a position for engagement by an endoscope through rotation ofthe body about the longitudinal centerline axis L2 (e.g., viamanipulation of an adjustor body). In yet example, the positioningmember may be in the form of a body having a plurality of differentlength or shape endoscope engaging members extending therefrom, whereeach of the endoscope engaging members is movable to a position forengagement by an endoscope through rotation of the body about an axis ofrotation extending perpendicular to the longitudinal centerline axis L2(e.g., via manipulation of an adjustor body). Preferably, thelongitudinal centerline axis L2 of the positioning member 152 extendsparallel with a longitudinal centerline axis L3 of the central passage106.

Beneficially, adjustability afforded by a seating adjustor of a cleaningdevice in accordance with the disclosures made herein (e.g., the seatingadjuster 101 disclosed in reference to FIGS. 4 and 6-8) may increase thenumber of endoscopes compatible with a given cleaning device. The rangeof adjustment of the seating adjustor (i.e., overall length ofadjustment in adjustment positions) allows such given cleaning device toadjust for endoscopes whose extension portion would otherwise be in anincompatible position relative to the cleaning member. For example,without the utility of the seating adjustor and depending on thespecific physical construction of a particular endoscope, the imagingelement of the particular endoscope may extend too far toward/past thecleaning member or not close enough to the cleaning member.Additionally, in the case of the seating adjustor offering a suitableresolution of adjustment (e.g., relatively fine-tune adjustment), theseating adjustor may also be utilized for adjusting a level of contactforce between an imaging element of the endoscope (e.g., a lens) and thecleaning member.

Although the invention has been described with reference to severalexemplary embodiments, it is understood that the words that have beenused are words of description and illustration, rather than words oflimitation. Changes may be made within the purview of the appendedclaims, as presently stated and as amended, without departing from thescope and spirit of the invention in all its aspects. Although theinvention has been described with reference to particular means,materials and embodiments, the invention is not intended to be limitedto the particulars disclosed; rather, the invention extends to allfunctionally equivalent technologies, structures, methods and uses suchas are within the scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An endoscope cleaning device adapted for havingan endoscope engaged therewith in a seated position relative thereto,comprising: a main body at least partially through which the endoscopeis engaged with the endoscope cleaning device; and a positioning membercoupled to the main body to be selectively moved to and retained in anyone of a plurality of adjustment positions relative to the main body andwherein the positioning member includes an endoscope engaging portionthat engages a corresponding portion of the endoscope while theendoscope is engaged with the endoscope cleaning device such that thepositioning member being retained in a selected one of the adjustmentpositions and being engaged with the corresponding portion of theendoscope at least partially defines the seated position, wherein thepositioning member is coupled to the main body through an adjustor bodythat is rotatably mounted on the main body and wherein the positioningmember is threadedly attached to the adjustor body such that eachrotational position of the adjustor body relative to the main bodydefines a corresponding adjustment position of the positioning member.2. The endoscope cleaning device of claim 1 wherein: the main bodyincludes a passage adapted for having an extension portion of theendoscope received therein; and the positioning member is movablymounted on the main body to be moved axially along a reference axisextending parallel to a centerline longitudinal axis of the passage. 3.The endoscope cleaning device of claim 1 wherein the positioning memberincludes an elongated portion slidably mounted on the main body to beaxially translated along a centerline longitudinal axis of the elongatedportion.
 4. The endoscope cleaning device of claim 3 wherein seatingpositions of the positioning member each corresponding to a respectiveone of the adjustment positions lay along the centerline longitudinalaxis of the elongated portion.
 5. The endoscope cleaning device of claim4 wherein: the main body includes a passage adapted for having anextension portion of the endoscope received therein; and the positioningmember is movably mounted on the main body to be moved axially along areference axis extending parallel to a centerline longitudinal axis ofthe passage.
 6. The endoscope cleaning device of claim 1 wherein: themain body comprises a light port receptacle in which a light port of theendoscope resides while the endoscope is engaged with the endoscopecleaning device; and the endoscope engaging portion of the positioningmember is located within a light port receiving space of the light portreceptacle to engage the light port of the endoscope while the endoscopeis engaged with the endoscope cleaning device to thereby define theseated position thereof.
 7. The endoscope cleaning device of claim 6wherein: the main body includes a passage adapted for having anextension portion of the endoscope received therein; and the positioningmember is movably mounted on the main body to be moved axially along areference axis extending parallel to a centerline longitudinal axis ofthe passage.
 8. An endoscope cleaning device, comprising: a chassisadapted for having an endoscope engaged therewith in a seated positionrelative thereto; and a seating adjustor integral with the chassis,wherein the seating adjustor includes an adjuster body and a positioningmember, wherein the adjuster body is attached to the chassis for beingselectively moved between a plurality of adjustment positions relativeto the chassis, wherein the positioning member is interlockedly attachedto the adjuster body whereby the adjuster body being in a selected oneof the plurality of adjustment positions causes the positioning memberto be in a corresponding seating position relative to the adjustor bodyand wherein the positioning member has an endoscope engaging portionengaged by a corresponding portion of the endoscope while the endoscopeis engaged with the chassis such that the corresponding seating positionof the positioning member relative to the chassis at least partiallydefines the seated position, wherein the adjustor body is rotatablyattached to the chassis and wherein the positioning member is movablyattached to the chassis and wherein the positioning member beinginterlockedly attached to the adjuster body includes the positioningmember being threadedly attached to the adjuster body such that eachadjustment position of the adjustor body is a rotational positionthereof.
 9. The endoscope cleaning device of claim 8 wherein: thechassis includes a channel adapted for having an extension portion ofthe endoscope slidably received therein; and the positioning member ismovably mounted on the chassis to be moved axially along a referenceaxis extending parallel to a centerline longitudinal axis of thechannel.
 10. The endoscope cleaning device of claim 9 wherein: thechassis includes a user interface body and an elongated body attachedthereto; the elongated body has a central passage accessible through anopening in the user interface body thereby enabling an extension portionof the endoscope to be slidably inserted into the central passagethrough the opening; the central passage and the opening jointly definethe channel.
 11. The endoscope cleaning device of claim 8 wherein: thechassis includes a user interface body and an elongated body attachedthereto; the elongated body has a central passage accessible through anopening in the user interface body thereby enabling an extension portionof the endoscope to be slidably inserted into the central passagethrough the opening; and the seating adjustor is mounted on the userinterface body.
 12. The endoscope cleaning device of claim 8 wherein thechassis comprises a light port receptacle in which a light port of theendoscope resides while the endoscope is engaged with the chassis in theseated position.
 13. The endoscope cleaning device of claim 12 whereinthe endoscope engaging portion of the positioning member is locatedwithin a light port receiving space of the light port receptacle toengage the light port of the endoscope while the endoscope is engagedwith the chassis to thereby define the seated position thereof.
 14. Theendoscope cleaning device of claim 13 wherein: the chassis includes auser interface body and an elongated body attached thereto; theelongated body has a central passage accessible through an opening inthe user interface body thereby enabling an extension portion of theendoscope to be slidably inserted into the central passage through theopening; the light port receptacle is integral with the user interfacebody; and the seating adjustor is mounted on the user interface body.15. The endoscope cleaning device of claim 13 wherein: the chassisincludes a channel adapted for having an extension portion of theendoscope inserted therein; and a position of the endoscope engagingportion of the positioning member within the light port receiving spaceof the light port receptacle defines a maximum insertion depth of theextension portion of the endoscope into the channel while the endoscopeis engaged with the chassis.
 16. The endoscope cleaning device of claim8 wherein: the chassis includes a user interface body and an elongatedbody attached thereto; the elongated body has a central passageaccessible through an opening in the user interface body therebyenabling an extension portion of the endoscope to be slidably insertedinto the central passage through the opening; the central passage andthe opening jointly define the channel.
 17. An endoscope cleaningdevice, comprising: a chassis adapted for having an endoscope engagedtherewith in a seated position relative thereto; and a seating adjustorintegral with the chassis, wherein the seating adjustor includes anadjuster body rotatably mounted on the chassis and a positioning memberthreadedly engaged at a first end portion thereof with a mating portionof the adjuster body whereby a rotational position of the adjustor bodyrelative to the chassis defines a corresponding seating position of thepositioning member relative to the chassis and wherein the positioningmember has an endoscope engaging portion at a second end portion thereofthat engages a corresponding portion of the endoscope while theendoscope is engaged with the chassis such that the correspondingseating position of the positioning member relative to the chassis atleast partially defines the seated position.
 18. The endoscope cleaningdevice of claim 17 wherein: the positioning member includes an elongatedportion between the first and second end portions of the positioningmember; and the elongated portion is slidably mounted on the chassis.19. The endoscope cleaning device of claim 17 wherein: the chassisincludes a channel adapted for having an extension portion of theendoscope slidably received therein; and the positioning member ismovably mounted on the chassis to be moved axially along a referenceaxis extending parallel to a centerline longitudinal axis of thechannel.
 20. The endoscope cleaning device of claim 19 wherein: thechassis includes a user interface body and an elongated body attachedthereto; the elongated body has a central passage accessible through anopening in the user interface body thereby enabling an extension portionof the endoscope to be slidably inserted into the central passagethrough the opening; the central passage and the opening jointly definethe channel; the adjustor body is rotatably attached to the userinterface body; and the positioning member is slidably attached to theuser interface body.
 21. The endoscope cleaning device of claim 17wherein: the chassis includes a user interface body and an elongatedbody attached thereto; the elongated body has a central passageaccessible through an opening in the user interface body therebyenabling an extension portion of the endoscope to be slidably insertedinto the central passage through the opening; and the seating adjustoris integral with the user interface body.
 22. The endoscope cleaningdevice of claim 17 wherein: the chassis comprises a light portreceptacle in which a light port of the endoscope resides while theendoscope is engaged with the chassis in the seated position; and theendoscope engaging portion of the positioning member engages the lightport of the endoscope while the endoscope is engaged with the chassis todefine the seated position of the endoscope in the seated position. 23.The endoscope cleaning device of claim 22 wherein the endoscope engagingportion of the positioning member is located within a light portreceiving space of the light port receptacle to engage the light port ofthe endoscope while the endoscope is engaged with the chassis to therebydefine the seated position thereof.
 24. The endoscope cleaning device ofclaim 23 wherein: the chassis includes a user interface body and anelongated body attached thereto; the elongated body has a centralpassage accessible through an opening in the user interface body therebyenabling an extension portion of the endoscope to be slidably insertedinto the central passage through the opening; the light port receptacleis integral with the user interface body; and the seating adjustor ismounted on the user interface body.
 25. The endoscope cleaning device ofclaim 23 wherein: the positioning member includes an elongated portionbetween the first and second end portion of the positioning member; andthe elongated portion is slidably mounted on the chassis.
 26. Theendoscope cleaning device of claim 23 wherein: the chassis includes achannel adapted for having an extension portion of the endoscopeslidably received therein; and the positioning member is movably mountedon the chassis to be moved axially along a reference axis extendingparallel to a centerline longitudinal axis of the channel.